People's willingness to save energy to mitigate climate change is influenced by their direct experience of flooding. A study using data from 1,822 UK residents found that those who experienced flooding were more concerned about climate change, perceived it as less uncertain, and felt more confident that their actions could impact climate change. These perceptual differences translated into a greater willingness to save energy. The study suggests that linking local weather events to climate change can increase concern and action. However, previous research has shown mixed results, possibly due to the public's lack of personal experience with climate impacts, leading to lower concern than that of climate scientists. The study also found that people who experienced flooding were more likely to perceive their local area as vulnerable to climate change and more prepared to reduce energy use. The findings highlight the importance of connecting local events to climate change to encourage action. The study used a survey to examine public perceptions of climate change and related issues, with a focus on energy use. The results showed that flooding experience significantly influenced perceptions of climate change and preparedness to reduce energy use, mediated through perceived instrumentality, concern, uncertainty, and perceived local vulnerability. The study acknowledges that the data are cross-sectional and causality is assumed, but the findings suggest that experiences of flooding can increase concern and action on climate change. The study also notes that uncertainty about climate change did not translate into preparedness to reduce energy use, indicating that recent increases in uncertainty may not reduce sustainable behaviour. The study concludes that severe environmental changes, such as flooding, present significant opportunities to engage people with climate change and encourage action.People's willingness to save energy to mitigate climate change is influenced by their direct experience of flooding. A study using data from 1,822 UK residents found that those who experienced flooding were more concerned about climate change, perceived it as less uncertain, and felt more confident that their actions could impact climate change. These perceptual differences translated into a greater willingness to save energy. The study suggests that linking local weather events to climate change can increase concern and action. However, previous research has shown mixed results, possibly due to the public's lack of personal experience with climate impacts, leading to lower concern than that of climate scientists. The study also found that people who experienced flooding were more likely to perceive their local area as vulnerable to climate change and more prepared to reduce energy use. The findings highlight the importance of connecting local events to climate change to encourage action. The study used a survey to examine public perceptions of climate change and related issues, with a focus on energy use. The results showed that flooding experience significantly influenced perceptions of climate change and preparedness to reduce energy use, mediated through perceived instrumentality, concern, uncertainty, and perceived local vulnerability. The study acknowledges that the data are cross-sectional and causality is assumed, but the findings suggest that experiences of flooding can increase concern and action on climate change. The study also notes that uncertainty about climate change did not translate into preparedness to reduce energy use, indicating that recent increases in uncertainty may not reduce sustainable behaviour. The study concludes that severe environmental changes, such as flooding, present significant opportunities to engage people with climate change and encourage action.